Hundreds join Finsbury Park vigil

Fr Joe Ryan, Westminster J&P

Hundreds of people joined a vigil near Finsbury Park Mosque and the Muslim Community Centre on Monday night to show their solidarity with the community, hours after the terror attack in which one man died and nine were injured as they came out of the Ramadan night prayers.

Brendan Cox, widower of MP Jo Cox, who was killed almost exactly year ago came to place flowers. Bruce Kent and Fr Joe Ryan from Westminster Justice and Peace were among those who took part.

Mourners laid flowers and many carried signs and messages such as: '#We are one London you can’t break us.' '#United Against All Terror.' 'May Peace reign over this land and over all lands with love from your neighbours in Upper Tollington Park xxx'

Earlier, Archbishop Justin Welby said: "The freedom to worship without fear is a right we cherish as a nation and was won at great human cost over many years. The appalling attack on Muslims in Finsbury Park is an attack on us all and on the culture and values of our country. At a time when we are all grieving the loss of so many precious people in London and Manchester, this brutal attack can only compound the trauma. Violence only begets more violence - it serves only the interests of those who would terrorise others. This wanton and cruel act can produce no good and cannot be justified or excused. In exactly the same way as previous recent attacks it is a crime against God and against humanity."

Churches Together said in a statement: “We were shocked to learn of the brutal attack on worshippers leaving the Finsbury Park mosque in the early hours of this morning. We unreservedly condemn all acts of violence which seek to undermine our society and foster hatred and intolerance. Jesus came among us as the Prince of Peace, and in his name and for his sake, we stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends. We remember in our prayers those who have been injured.

“We pray for the leaders of our communities and nation, and for those who work in our emergency services. We pray too for those who perpetrate such acts that God may touch their hearts and minds with his love, forgiveness and compassion.

A vigil also took place in west London near the fire gutted Grenfell Tower.

There will be another vigil tomorrow from 6.30-7.30pm at the Finsbury Park Mosque (7-11 St Thomas's Road, N4 2Q London)

See also: ICN 19 June 2017 - Cardinal Nichols offers prayers for Finsbury Park Mosque attack victims
www.indcatholicnews.com/news/32831